Harding bounces Mansfield Sr.

Mar. 2, 2007

Written by

Marion Star Staff Report

JENKINS

WILLARD - A small offensive change and defensive switch in the fourth quarter helped Harding down Mansfield Senior 49-46 in Northwest District semifinal action Thursday at Willard.

During a fourth-quarter timeout, Harding head coach Bill Sycks moved his post players into a triangle and Mansfield Senior was unable to defend the new offense.

"We did something we had never practiced," Sycks said. "They did an excellent job of executing it. When you make a change like that on the fly and they go out and execute it well, that's just excellent."

The Lady Presidents (20-3) also switched from a 2-3 zone defense to man-to-man, which put senior Jessica Jenkins against Mansfield Senior's Yanette Feagan. Feagan scored just four of her 20 points in the fourth.

"Jenkins did a nice job on defense," Sycks said.

The Lady Presidents led 13-12 after one quarter, but the Lady Tygers rallied to take a 19-17 lead at the half.

Kaylee Kepford helped keep the Lady Presidents close, scoring eight of her 10 points in the first half.

"Sometimes she takes a second spot to (freshman Shawnta') Dyer," Sycks said of Kepford. "They defended Dyer well in the first half and Kaylee really stepped up."

Dyer and Jenkins both stepped up in the second half. Dyer netted 12 of her 15 points after the break and Jenkins scored 11 of her 15 in the second half.

"They all did an excellent job," Sycks said. "The entire team stepped up in the fourth quarter."

Dyer also grabbed eight rebounds and Kepford pulled in seven. Jenkins dished out four assists.

Jessie White added 14 points for Senior.

Harding set a new school record for wins in a season with 20. The Lady Presidents will have a chance to improve upon that mark Saturday when they face Greater Buckeye Conference rival Findlay at 2 p.m. at the University of Findlay.